*Photo from the Duluth News Tribune*
After yet another season of disappointment, this time not even making the playoffs, the Calgary Flames have chosen to simply shuffle some chairs around. Last season, the Flames finished in 5th place in the Scotiabank North Division, with a 26-27-3 record, falling 4 points shy of a playoff spot.
The Flames had one big face leave in the expansion draft, as captain Mark Giordano was selected by the Seattle Kraken. Also on the defense, right shot D Michael Stone and left shot D Nikita Nesterov are both UFA's, and have yet to sign with any team.
Calgary also lost some depth in the forward group as well. Winger Joakim Nordstrom is currently a UFA after scoring just one goal in his lone season in Calgary. One of Nordstrom's old teams, the Carolina Hurricanes, just signed LW Josh Leivo to a one year deal, after scoring 6 goals last season with the Flames. C Derek Ryan is also gone, signing a two year deal with the Edmonton Oilers.
To compensate losing 3 forwards, the Flames went out and signed 3 forwards. They first signed C Trevor Lewis to a one year deal, likely filling the role vacated by Nordstrom. Next saw a trade for Tyler Pitlick, acquiring him from the Kraken after the expansion draft concluded. Then came the big piece. Blake Coleman on a 6 year deal with a $4.9 million AAV.
The Flames only added one defenseman however, trading for Nikita Zadorov from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for next year's 3rd round pick. They also traded another 3rd round pick for next year to the Boston Bruins in order to acquire young goalie Dan Vladar, who will compete for the backup goalie spot in Calgary.
For the Flames, it figures to be another year of playoff contention while being unable to push past the thing that's been holding them back for years, which is underachievement. Otherwise known as the standard season in Calgary.
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